Come Watch Gallopin' Fun, Group Says

A club that rides horses competitively in Newport News Park invites the public, especially kids.

Members of the Deer Run Horse Show Club are saddling up each month at Newport News Park for a bit of friendly competition, and they're inviting the public.

About 35 members, with 60 or so horses, compete once a month from spring until autumn.

"We are just a hometown backyard horse show," said Karen Larsen, president and charter member.

A variety of classes are presented, including hunter, English pleasure and western pleasure. The club has two gated classes, Tennessee gated horses and trail raking, Larsen said.

The morning portion of the show features halter and jumping divisions. The afternoon portion competition includes timed speed events.

One of the most exciting events to watch is the flag event, Larsen said. Riders must hold a stick and race down to a barrel that contains another stick in a bucket. Riders swap out the sticks and ride back.

"This may look easy, but they are going at a high rate of speed," she said. "Riders have to train their horses to gallop, slow down at the barrel, swap the sticks, get back and keep from falling off."

In barrel racing, competitors race around barrels set up in a cloverleaf pattern. The pole bending competition has six poles set up in a straight line about 21 feet apart. Competitors must run though the course in a zig-zag pattern. The keyhole event sends competitors running down a line, where they must complete a circle and run back.

There is little down time during the show.

"We try to always have something going on in the ring," Larsen said.

In addition to the competition, club members also want to expose area residents, especially children, to the beauty of horses.

"Children have a natural love of animals. This is a great way to expose children to horses up close," Larsen said. "We encourage people to get close to the horses and even pet them."

People can get a behind-the-scenes view and watch owners preparing their horses for the show. Riders are happy to talk with visitors about the animals and their care.

Colleen Morgan, a veterinarian who keeps her horse at Equestrian Hunter Stables in Gloucester, competes in the club. She also teaches horse show riding.

While Morgan sits on top of her quarter horse, she tells the people gathered around that she and Raven will be jumping over fences.

"Competing with horses is one of the oldest sports around," she adds.

Morgan, 46, said the sport teaches discipline and builds character. She started competing when she was 12 years old.

"I've had a few students that were problem children when they came, but became more focused with riding lessons," she said.

Horse shows and competition are also a way for families to bond. Morgan points to Cassidy Preston, 11, and her mother, Dee, both of whom are preparing a horse to go into the ring.

The Deer Run Horse Show Club started nearly two years ago when Larsen, owner of two Appaloosa horses, became discouraged with a horse show club she belonged to in Williamsburg.

"I came home from a meeting one night and told my husband that I did not like how things were going at the club," she said. "My husband told me I should start a new club. I told him he was crazy.

"Then I woke up the next morning and thought, 'Why not?' "

So Larsen spoke with four friends: Nancy Jones, Kim Wise, Tammy Soder and Monique Watson. The group all keep their horses at Quarter Field Farms in Newport News.

The horse ring at the park was not being used regularly, and Andy Lunsford, superintendent of park operations, said they were happy to work with the group. It had been nearly seven years since a group held monthly horse shows there.

"Their commitment and expertise allows us to be able to provide fun, quality activities for equestrian enthusiasts and spectators," Lunsford said.

Larsen agrees: "This is a great club for anyone who wants to compete on an easy, affordable level, and it is great for the public to see this type of competition locally. If anyone enjoys seeing horses, then this is a great way to do so." *

WANT TO GO?

The Deer Run Horse Show Club will present a horse show the last Saturday of each month through September and October 21. The shows begin at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day. For more information about the club, contact Karen Larsen at 876- 2963.